Frequently Asked Questions

Get all the answers you need to experience the The 153rd Open comfortably with our most frequently asked questions about Portrush, it's surrounding areas, and information about the big event.

If you need further assistance, check out The Open's comprehensive Help Centre.

Quicklinks:

• General information
• Tickets & Admission
• Travel & Accommodation
• Venue & Facilities
• Rules & Regulations
• Weather & Safety
• Event Experience
• Information for Locals

General Information

• What are the dates for The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush? 

The tournament will take place from Sunday, 13 July to Sunday, 20 July 2025. Practice rounds are scheduled from 13-16 July, and Championship Days will be 17-20 July.

• Where is Royal Portrush Golf Club located? 

Royal Portrush Golf Club is situated in the town of Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route.

• How can I watch The Open if I can’t attend in person? 

The Open will be broadcast globally on NBC/Golf Channel (USA) and Sky Sports (UK & Ireland). Fans can also stream live coverage via R&A TV. In addition, The Open Radio will offer more than 50 hours of live coverage, and will be available across the globe through The Open website, The Open App, and R&A TV. In the UK it will also be broadcast on talkSPORT 2 and on Sirius XM in the United States.

The Open website and app will feature comprehensive coverage of the Championship including live scoring, the biggest talking points, and exclusive features so you can delve deeper into all the action as it happens.

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Tickets & Admission

• How can I purchase tickets for The 153rd Open? 

General admission tickets were sold via a ballot and are now sold out. However, hospitality packages are still available, and a resale platform is available to One Club members. (updated 02/05/2025)

• Are tickets available at the gate? 

No, tickets will not be available for purchase at the gate.

• Can I resell my ticket if I can no longer attend? 

Yes, tickets can be resold via the official resale platform on The Open’s website.

• Are there hospitality packages available? 

Yes, premium hospitality experiences are available, offering exclusive seating, fine dining, and superior views.

• Can I leave The Open and come back in on the same day? 

Yes, re-admission will be permitted. Ticket holders will only be permitted to re-enter the venue on the same day as long as they present the following: i) a ticket valid for that day’s play, and ii) an official, untampered, re-entry wristband that must be collected from the exit gate when initially leaving The Open.

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Travel & Accommodation

• What are the best ways to travel to Royal Portrush? 

Visitors can travel by car, train, or bus. Park & Ride services will also be available from key locations. Please visit https://www.translink.co.uk/the-153rd-open for details.

For all significant travel information, and options on how to get to the Open, please visit the R&A’s website at https://www.theopen.com/tickets-and-hospitality/getting-there 

A wide range of bus, coach and train services are available for spectators to reach The Open. Trains to Portrush are a convenient way to travel to the event from Belfast and Derry~Londonderry and a bus and train services to the event are available to book online.

Advance tickets are limited so you should book online as soon as possible to ensure travel at your preferred departure time.

Book with Translink online.

Follow @Translink_NI #TheOpen for latest public transport updates.

Translink is working hard to maintain normal services across the network in addition to delivering The 153rd Open transport plan and thanks customers for their patience during this busy week.

• Is there parking available near the venue? 

All public parking will be located at designated Park & Ride facilities, where shuttle buses will transport spectators to the course. To book your parking pass in advance, visit The Open’s official website.

Book Park & Ride passes here.

Booking early is recommended, as spaces may sell out closer to the event.

• Are disabled parking facilities available?

Spaces for accessible parking can be booked by contacting the R&A. To be eligible for free parking at the event, an Accessible Parking Permit such as a Blue Badge or equivalent must be provided in advance as evidence. To apply for accessible parking at The Open, please email accessibility@randa.org. Please note the deadline for pre-booking accessible parking is 27 June 2025.

• What are the nearest airports and train stations? 

The closest airports are Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport and City of Derry Airport. The nearest train stations to Royal Portrush are Portrush Railway Station and Coleraine Train Station.

• Where can I find accommodation near Royal Portrush? 

Accommodation options include hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages, and The Open Camping Village.

Browse accommodation properties in the area.

• Are there camping or caravan sites available for visitors? 

Yes, The Open Camping Village offers affordable accommodation for spectators. Other sites are available throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens.

Browse camping, glamping and caravan park options in the area.

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Venue & Facilities

• What facilities are available at Royal Portrush for spectators? 

The venue includes food outlets, merchandise shops, seating areas, and accessibility services.

• What payment methods are accepted at the venue?

The Open will be a cashless environment so please remember to bring credit/debit cards or contactless payment devices.

• Are there food and drink options at the venue? 

Yes. The Open offers a wide variety of sustainable, locally sourced, and healthy food options at on-course catering facilities and in the Spectator Village.

Choose from hot and cold food, beverages, and handcrafted coffee at fully accessible outlets. You can enjoy a variety of options from fish & chips, noodles, and dumplings to Greek street food.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, including gluten-free beer and non-alcoholic beverages, are also available.

Don't forget your refillable bottle for our water stations. Please note, the site is cashless.

• Is there a spectator village or fan zone? 

Yes, the Spectator Village will feature interactive experiences, live entertainment, and big-screen coverage.

• Are there designated areas for disabled visitors? 

Yes, The Open provides accessible viewing areas, toilets, mobility assistance, and dedicated parking.

See The Open’s Accessibility Guide on the official website for further information.

• What should I bring with me to The Open? 

Essentials include credit/debit cards, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a rain jacket, and binoculars. Don’t forget your tickets!

• Are there lockers or storage facilities available? 

A Left Luggage facility will be available on a first-come first-served basis.

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Rules & Regulations

• What items are prohibited at The Open? 

A full list of prohibited items can be found on The Open’s official website here under ‘Spectator Advice’.

• Are pets allowed at the venue? 

No, pets are not allowed, except for registered assistance animals.

• Can I bring my own food and drinks? 

Yes, but glass containers and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Water refill stations will be available throughout the site.

• What is the dress code for spectators? 

There is no dress code in public areas. Clothing and footwear suitable for the weather conditions should be worn.

• Are there restrictions on photography and videography? 

Still photography is permitted as long as it does not interrupt play. Video recording is not permitted at any time.

• What security measures are in place? 

Security checks will be conducted at entry points, and bag searches will be mandatory.

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Weather & Safety

• What is the typical weather like in Northern Ireland during July? 

Expect mild to warm temperatures, occasional rain, and coastal winds.

• What happens if there is bad weather during the tournament? 

Play may be delayed or suspended, but contingency plans are in place.

• Are there emergency medical services on-site? 

A clearly signposted Medical HQ will be available at the event, supported by several onsite First Aid Points. The Medical HQ will operate from before the first game tees off until 30 minutes after the final game concludes, ensuring medical assistance is available throughout the event.

• What should I do in case of an emergency? 

Contact the nearest security or event staff for assistance. The emergency services phone number for Northern Ireland is 999.

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Event Experience

• What time do the gates open and close each day? 

A list of gate opening times for each day can be found on The Open’s official website by clicking here.

• Can I meet the players or get autographs? 

Players may sign autographs, but there is no official meet-and-greet.

• Are there any special events or activities for spectators? 

Yes, there will be plenty of onsite and offsite events and entertainment for visitors to The Open, both in Portrush and the surrounding areas.

• What are the best viewing spots on the course? 

Grandstands, a Spectator Village and Large Screens will be available to ticket holders throughout the week. Popular spots include the 1^st Hole and 18^th Green, and seating will also be available at the Practice Ground.

• Is there merchandise available for purchase? 

Yes, official The Open merchandise will be sold at The Open Shop on-site.

• How can I stay updated on scores and tournament news? 

Follow The Open website, app, and social media channels.

The App is available all year round and is updated with the latest news, images and video. The Open’s official app provides the ultimate way to enjoy The Open while on the go to ensure you never miss a shot. 

A complimentary WiFi network will be available across the course in grandstands and in the Spectator Village.

Download The Open App from the App Store

Download The Open App from Google Play

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Information for locals

• Will The Open affect me going about my daily business?

A local traffic plan is being developed to reduce congestion and allow residents and businesses to go about their daily activities as usual with as little disruption as possible. Residents and businesses are advised to plan ahead and check local traffic restrictions to see how they or their customers might be affected. Information will be available on the Causeway Coast and Glens website as well as Community Drop In sessions that will commence from early May in Portrush Town Hall.

• Will my refuse collection/street cleansing be affected?

Some residents in the local area may have their bin collection rescheduled. They will be contacted directly to be informed about any changes. Extra teams of cleaning staff will be out each day to remove any litter and regular checks will help to ensure that the area is kept clean. If you have any concerns about waste or litter during the Championship, please visit https://causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/bins-and-recycling/bin-collections

• I live or work in Portrush will I be issued a parking permit?

Access and parking permits will be required for residents in various roads, and those residents and businesses requiring a permit will be contacted directly and issued the relevant permit. There will be further information and support for those residents affected in the weekly drop-in sessions available from early May.

• Can a non-golf visitor still use the Park and Rides?

Yes, this facility will be available to all at chargeable Park & Ride facilities located within a 15 minute journey to Royal Portrush Golf Club and can be used by spectators and all visitors to Portrush. Drivers should turn off their satellite navigation systems and follow Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) and AA event specific signs for Park & Ride facilities. The PSNI will direct motorists to use the designated traffic routes, which will be clearly sign posted.